China will launch high-resolution satellites to conduct surveying and mapping of the moon in upcoming five years, according to the People's Daily on Saturday.

 

The satellites will probe the moon's surface, physiognomy, landform and geological structure to draw a three-dimensional map of high precision, the report says.

 

According to earlier reports, China is expected to launch its first ever moon-orbiting satellite, Chang'e I, by 2007 and Chinese scientists are testing research facilities to board the satellite.

 

After long-standing preparation, Chinese decision-makers gave a green-light to a moon exploration plan in 2004. The plan is targeted at surveying and analyzing usable elements on the moon as well as the space environment between the earth and the moon.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2006)